A hysterectomy (the removal of the uterus and possibly the cervix, lymph nodes, and part of the vagina) is, no doubt, a major surgery. With that being said, it should come as no surprise that the recovery will take time and the patient will experience quite a bit of post-operative pain as they heal. Ahead of this procedure, here’s a look at what to expect following a hysterectomy…
1. Hospital Stay
Patients who undergo an abdominal (in which the uterus is removed via an incision in the lower abdomen) or radical hysterectomy (where your cervix, parts of the vagina, and lymph nodes are removed along with the uterus) can expect a hospital stay of at least 2 to 3 nights. Less intensive vaginal (where the uterus is removed via an incision in the vagina) or laparoscopic (the uterus is removed in pieces via the abdomen) hysterectomies will require at least an overnight stay.
